a cup of coffee

Coffee has a long history, involving centuries of travel across continents and cultures. The following is a brief but detailed explanation of the origins and development of coffee:

Origins in Ethiopia

Coffee was first discovered in Ethiopia in the 9th century AD. According to legend, a shepherd named Kaldi noticed that his goats became more energetic after eating red fruit from a certain tree. He tried the fruit and felt the same effect. Kaldi told his discovery to a local monk, who processed coffee beans into a drink and discovered that coffee could help him stay awake during night prayers.

Spread to Arabia
~Coffee spread from Ethiopia to Arabia, especially Yemen, around the 15th century. In Yemen, coffee began to be widely cultivated, and the city of Moka became a famous coffee trading center. Arabs also discovered how to roast and brew coffee beans, giving birth to the coffee drink we know today. In this period, coffee was called “qahwa”, which means strength or energy.

Entering the Islamic World

Coffee drinks soon spread throughout Islamic lands, especially in Mecca and Cairo, where coffee shops began to appear. Cafes are places for gatherings, intellectual discussions and entertainment. Coffee is called “Arabic wine” because of its ability to help people stay awake for prayer and study.

Spread to Europe

In the 17th century, coffee was widely known in Europe. Venetian traders were the first to introduce coffee to Italy, and then coffee spread throughout Europe. At first coffee was considered an exotic drink from the East, but it quickly became popular. The first coffeehouse in Europe opened in Venice in 1645. A few years later, coffeehouses spread to England, France and Germany.
~Cultivation in European Colonies
~Seeing the economic potential of coffee, European people began to plant coffee in their colonies. The Dutch were among the first to cultivate coffee in their colony in Java, Indonesia, in the 17th century. From there, coffee was brought to other regions such as Central and South America, making it a global commodity.

Coffee in the Modern World

Today, coffee is one of the most popular drinks in the world and an important part of many cultures. From espresso in Italy, café au lait in France, to freshly brewed coffee in Indonesia, coffee is used in various ways around the world. The coffee industry is also growing rapidly, from coffee plantations to global coffee shops such as Starbucks.

The cup of coffee we enjoy today is the result of a long history spanning various cultures and continents. Each cup carries countless stories of discovery, spread, and innovation throughout human history.